A MAN arrested on suspicion of murdering York chef Claudia Lawrence, who went missing in 2009, is understood to be 59-year-old York resident Michael Snelling, who lives not far from her Heworth home.

He remained in custudy on Tuesday evening.

Police also searched a house in North Shields, where it is believed a relative of Mr Snelling lives.

Loading article content

Mr Snelling is believed to have worked for a mental health charity in York and, according to local residents, is an avid follower of Newcastle United.

His home in Burnholme Grove, near Burnholme Community College, York, was being searched by officers in forensic suits.

Police activity centred on the back garden and a paved area behind the garage.

Just after 1.30pm, officers removed an evidence bag and suitcase from the house. Another officer has been taking video footage of the house.

Officers were searching the house and an area behind a garage. The downstairs curtains were closed. The house is around three quarters of a mile from Claudia's home.

Neighbours said a police van arrived at 8am and then a larger van at 11.30am. They said they believed the occupant lived on his own. Camera crews are now outside the house.

Forensic examinations and searches were expected to take several days.

A car has also been seized as part of the enquiries.

Detectives said they would like to stress that Ms Lawrence's body had not been found.

Police said they could not rule out the possibility of further arrests in the future.

The scene at Burnholme Grove, York, this morning

Her family has been notified and are being supported by trained officers, the force said.

Neighbours said Mr Snelling had worked at York University as a lab technician until recently and he had lived in the house for more than 20 years.

Terry Ellis, who has lived in Burnholme Grove since 1961, said: “The first thing I saw this morning was when the police investigation car came up. I thought that maybe someone had broken in, because he’s had someone break in before.”

Jen King, one of Ms Lawrence's closest friends, said the arrest showed progress was being made with the investigation.

She said: "It has been five years. It proves it's very much still alive in the minds of the police and it just goes to show despite the accusations from people that the police are not bothered they are very much bothered about it.

"If it goes somewhere that's great but if not it shows the investigation is ongoing.

"It's a step towards this one day being resolved."

Claudia's mother Joan, who has worked tirelessly to highlight the case

Ms Lawrence's mother, Joan, said she found out about the arrest when police officers visited her home at 8am this morning.

“To be honest it hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” she said. “After five years and this happening so suddenly, it’s just not sunk in.”

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here